So, my partner won a research Fulbright to India, so we're both relocating to south India in August. Before that, we'll be traveling through Spain and SE Asia. We will live off of the grant, supplemented by savings. We're both graduating from grad school this May, and we leave on the day of my graduation!
I own a Honda Fit 2012 base model (no debt), with 43,000 miles. KBB and the Honda dealership I went to quoted me $6500 - $7000 for the car (minor scratches and one wheel missing a hub cap.)
I currently live in a major east coast city, and would likely move back to either NY or Boston, so I'm considering selling my car and trying to hold off on buying another one (my partner and I share this car, but I pay for it). But, if I were to need a car, I would pretty much buy the same car as I have zero complaints. In 2015, I bought it used, and paid $14k.
As for storing our belongings, my partner and I are going to split a storage facility (5' x 5' x 8') for $100/month. We are only taking a backpack along.
I think selling the car makes more sense, but am I missing something? I'm ramping up to some of the busiest times of my life (will need to graduate/finals, move out, prep for int travel all in the same month), so should I just take it to the dealership and see what I can get, or should I try to sell privately? One pro of taking it to the dealership is that I can use the car for when my family is visiting and for moving our belongings into storage (partner currently lives 2.5 hours away), and then sell. Not sure how flexible dates are when selling privately.
If it matters, I have ~$250k saved, and am in my mid-20s.